Posted: April 16, 2006

Triathlon: Atkinson defends in Ishigaki

JAPAN, Ishigaki – Courtney Atkinson from Australia has successfully defended his crown, winning the 2006 ITU Ishigaki World Cup triathlon in a sprint finish with American Hunter Kemper. For the third time in four years, Atkinson has taken gold at the Ishigaki World Cup. Andy Potts (USA) finished third with a gutsy run, overtaking many of the race favourites.

“I came to Ishigaki to defend my title and I did just that,” said Atkinson. “I felt good the whole day and it was my kind of race. I love being at the front.”

Kemper and Atkinson raced together until the final few steps.

“I’m gutted at losing this race,” said a drained Kemper. “You would think I would be happy with two silvers in two races. Now I know I’m not satisfied unless I’m on top.”

Potts tried to make an early break with Kris Gemmell (NZL) on the bike but were eventually reeled in by a powerful chase pack.

A large group formed late in the bike leaving it to the run. Atkinson, Kemper went out fast after the second transition with Gemmell, Bevan Docherty (NZL) and Matt Reed (USA). Potts was the surprise starting slow but ran steady to eventually pick off Docherty, Reed and Gemmell.

“I’m so happy to have third place,” stated Potts. “Kemper and Atkinson kicked into gear at the end and I didn’t have the extra gear to catch them.”

2006 ITU Ishigaki World Cup – Elite Men

ATKINSON, Courtney (AUS)                   1:48:03 
KEMPER, Hunter  (USA)                        1:48:04 
POTTS, Andy  (USA)                             1:48:11 
GEMMELL, Kris  (NZL)                           1:48:23 
REED, Matthew  (USA)                          1:48:47 
FRETTA, Mark (USA)                             1:49:20 
TAYAMA, Hirokatsu  (JPN)                     1:49:36 
DOCHERTY, Bevan  (NZL)                      1:49:52 
FIORELLA, Leonardo  (ITA)                     1:49:54 
HAYES, Stuart  (GBR)                           1:49:58 

Full race results and event information are available at

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